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He stopped in the entryway, reluctant to tread upon the glowing rug and, when Alinor gestured him forward impatiently, he was so impressed with the softness and warmth beneath his feet that he almost lost his voice. |
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The sharp question galvanized the huntsman into action. He drew a scroll and a purse from his breast and passed them to Alinor. "His clothing and weapons I left in my hut with one of the men to guard them. I was afeard to bring them in among so many." |
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"Wisely done! Well done!" |
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It was the king's seal on the message. Alinor took a deep breath. As to this part of her plan, everything was working to perfection. She emptied the coins from the purse and pressed them into the huntsman's hand. |
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"This is the man I looked for. Do not stop any further messengers. You have him safe? Will he know any of you again?" |
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"He is trussed like a chicken for roasting and blindfolded. He might recognize the voice of John of the Marsh, but I do not think it. John took him by jumping from a tree. The man was stunned, and we took care to blindfold him at once." |
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"Only again and again that he is a king's messenger and threats as to what would befall us if we did not release him unharmed on the moment." |
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"Oh, most excellent! Listen close. One is to tell him, disguising his voice as best may be, that it is confirmed he is a king's messenger. Thus, instead of slaying him out of hand, one of your number will try to obtain a ransom for him from the Lady of Roselynde. If she will pay, tell him, he will be freed. If not, he will die. Now he will bid you take the message you reft from him to me. Then the one who speaks with him is to laugh and refuse, saying the lady would pay no ransom if she had the king's message already. Do you understand? But let |
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